ADL Status Report: Anti-Semitism in America after Boulder

The ADL’s July 2025 survey reveals a dual reality in the U.S.: most Americans reject anti-Semitism and support measures to combat it, yet a troubling minority hold extreme anti-Jewish views, including justification for recent attacks. The report highlights growing generational divides, politicized perceptions of protest slogans, and persistent conspiracy tropes linking American Jews to Israel. At the same time, bipartisan majorities back decisive actions, like removing hate speech and securing houses of worship, the normalization of anti-Semitic attitudes underscores the urgency of sustained intervention.

The following is an executive summary of the report. For the full report, click here.

In response to recent anti-Semitic violence, including deadly attacks in Boulder, Washington, and Philadelphia, the ADL conducted a nationally representative survey of 1,000 U.S. adults on June 10, 2025. The findings reveal a paradox: while a majority of Americans recognize anti-Semitism as a serious issue and reject violence against Jews, a sizable minority express extremist, conspiratorial, or anti-Semitic beliefs, including justifying or rationalizing violence.

Key Findings:

• Widespread Concern, Yet Troubling Views: 60% view anti-Semitism as a serious problem, down from 71% after October 7, 2023. Yet 24% find recent anti-Semitic violence “understandable,” 13% call it “justified,” and 15% say it was “necessary.”
• Cross-Partisan and Generational Patterns: Concern spans political lines: 67% of Democrats and 58% of Republicans see anti-Semitism as serious—but younger generations are more likely to justify anti-Jewish sentiment and link American Jews to Israel’s actions.
• Protest Language and Perceived Risk: 68% believe slogans like “Globalize the Intifada” or “From the River to the Sea” increase the risk of violence against Jews, even among pro-Palestinian sympathizers. 58% believe “Zionist” is often used as a proxy for “Jew.”
• Persistent Tropes and Conspiracy Beliefs: 34% believe American Jews are more loyal to Israel than the U.S., and 30% say Jews have too much influence in politics and media. These beliefs fuel discrimination and violence.
• Public Support for Action: There is strong bipartisan support for measures to combat anti-Semitism, including removing online hate speech (82%), increasing synagogue security (64%), and holding colleges accountable for anti-Israel harassment (74%).

Conclusion: While most Americans oppose anti-Semitism and support robust action to combat it, normalization of anti-Jewish rhetoric and the rise of violent rationalizations signal a dangerous trend. The report identifies a critical window for bipartisan intervention, while public concern remains strong despite signs of polarization and radicalization.

Source: “Status Report: Antisemitism in America after Boulder,” ADL, (July 11, 2025).